Housing top issue for Redwood City meeting: City Council to discuss range of topics related to homes

The city is recommending approximately $17 million in awards for two proposed affordable housing developments, one at 1304 Middlefield Road and another at 1580 Maple St. 

The development at 1304 Middlefield Road is proposed by Sand Hill Property Company, and would yield 94 units. The proposed units will include 24 for those earning 20% of the area median income, 16 for those earning 50%, 34 for those earning 60% and 19 for those earning 70%. 

Councilmembers will consider awarding $7.96 million, in addition to a previously approved request of $4.3 million, for a total amount of $12,326,460.  

The Maple Street development proposed by MidPen Housing would be on city-owned land, and would yield 79 units. The units are proposed nearly evenly for households earning between 20% and 40% of the area median income.  

The Maple Street development could be awarded $5 million from the city to push the project forward. 

The downtown library parking lot, located at 1016 Middlefield Road, is also to be considered as a new mixed-use affordable housing site. The initial concept proposed anywhere between 70 and 104 affordable units, preserving a portion of the parking, and using a limited space for city use. 

The library parking lot currently offers 98 public parking stalls on a 31,000-square-foot paved surface. A feasibility study will be presented to councilmembers to gather input on whether to solicit developer interest in transforming the lot into affordable housing. 

City staff has studied five development scenarios that range in height, parking designs and amount of housing units. Each scenario will be evaluated further at the council’s meeting Tuesday. 

Beyond discussion of future housing developments, the City Council will also consider a plan to allot more than $700,000 to various grantees supporting housing and homelessness programs. 

Approximately $106,008 is proposed to go toward public service and fair housing programs, including safe housing shelters for victims of domestic violence or sexual violence. More than $140,000 is proposed to go toward economic development and microenterprises, including childcare provider assistance. Approximately $184,000, is proposed to go toward minor home repair programs, and over $200,000 will go toward home preservation loan programs operated by Habitat for Humanity. 

The awarded funds, sourced through federal Community Development Block Grants, are prioritized to benefit low-income and moderate-income residents. 

The City Council is also slated to consider full implementation of the city’s Tenant Protection Ordinance by adopting guidelines and administrative fees. This would implement relocation assistance administrative fees and fair rate of return appeal fees to be paid by landlords. 

“This agenda reflects the scale and seriousness of Redwood City’s housing work,” Housing Leadership Manager Alin Lancaster said in a press release. “Together they show how the city is using funding, policy, and partnerships to support housing stability for our community.” 

The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, at City Hall.